SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Quantify analyte concentrations in prepared samples by means of Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
256604  Quantify analyte concentrations in prepared samples by means of Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Mining and Minerals 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Fabrication and Extraction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  3 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
9750  Quantify analyte concentrations in prepared samples by means of Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy  Level 4  NQF Level 04  3   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will be useful for people who are required to analyse analyte samples by means of Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy.

This unit standard is intended to promote general skills in and knowledge of analysing samples by means of Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate and apply knowledge of occupational health, safety and environment.
  • Demonstrate knowledge relating to Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy.
  • Analyte concentrations in prepared samples.
  • Explain or deal with problems relating to Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 3.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate and apply knowledge of occupational health, safety and environmental factors relating to the use of Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Occupational Hazards and risks pertaining to the graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy determination are identified and explained with reference to occupational team health and safety and environmental impact. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Hazards and risks must include:
  • Gas selection.
  • Chemicals and fumes.
  • Waste disposal.
  • Lack of cooling water.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The appropriate preventive measures to address occupational hazards and risks are described in terms of specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The required personal protective equipment is available, operational, fit for purpose and used in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Work is conducted to meet occupational health, safety and environmental standards in accordance with operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Occupational health, safety and environmental issues must include:
  • Housekeeping.
  • Waste disposal.
  • Storage.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The consequences of non-compliance with specified requirements are explained with respect to occupational personal and team health, safety and impact on the environment. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate knowledge relating to Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The basic principle of atomic absorption is explained with reference to the analyses performed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The principal components of the Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer are identified and their primary functions are briefly described in accordance with operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include the following components and parameters:
  • Hollow cathode lamp.
  • Graphite tubes.
  • Background correction.
  • Furnace assembly.
  • Sample injection.
  • Mono-chromator.
  • Readout systems.
  • Detector.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The effects of wavelength, analyte concentration, volume of injected sample and furnace temperatures are explained with reference to obtaining optimal absorbance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The relevance of releasing agents, matrix matching and ionization suppressants are explained with reference to preparation of standard and sample solutions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The purpose of the determination is explained in terms of customer requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Determine analyte concentration in prepared samples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The calibration standards are prepared and are appropriate with respect to sample matrix and concentration range for the particular sample solutions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The prepared samples are identified, verified and the analyte concentration is measured in accordance with operational requirements and quality control procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Data is recorded, analyte concentrations calculated and results reported in accordance with specified requirements within agreed turnaround times. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Equipment is maintained in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include the following accessories:
  • Furnace assembly.
  • Lamp.
  • Graphite tubes.
  • Cooling water system.
  • Gas cylinders.
  • Windows.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The analyte sample is prepared and the physical characteristics of the prepared sample are in accordance with specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Explain or deal with problems relating to Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Common problems and their effect on the process are explained and appropriate preventive or corrective actions are described and/or dealth with in terms of specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include common problems associated with the following:
  • Incorrect gas flow-rate.
  • Excessive curvature.
  • Signal instability.
  • Analyte concentration falls outside calibration range.
  • Flickering lamp.
  • Contamination.
  • Insufficient lamp warm-up time.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The work is conducted in a manner that ensures continuity, and supports a smooth flow throughout the process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The effect of non-compliance with operational requirements is explained in terms of production, quality, costs and lost time and turnaround time for analytical results. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described in the associated Unit Standards.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following essential embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated manner in this unit standard:

    Knowledge related to quantifying analyte concentrations in prepared samples by means of Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectometry:
  • Basic principle of atomic absorption.
  • Principal components of the Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer.
  • The effects of wavelength, analyte concentration, volume of injected sample and furnace temperatures.
  • The relevance of releasing agents, matrix matching and ionisation suppressants.
  • The purpose of the determination.
  • Equipment maintenance requirements.

    Critical factors and functions relating to the process:
  • Safety, health and risk management requirements.
  • Achieving specified production requirements.
  • Emergency procedures.
  • Security requirements.
  • Specified communication requirements.

    Processes and events:
  • Process flow and interlock systems.
  • Factors affecting the performance of the process.

    Causes and effects (Safety and Health):
  • Use of personal protective equipment.
  • Use of tools and equipment.
  • Condition of safety devices.
  • Utilisation of process equipment and consumables.
  • Workplace hazards and associated risks.
  • Effective communication.

    Procedures and techniques:
  • Methods of collecting and analysing, organising, summarising and presenting data.
  • Fault finding and correction technique.
  • Quality related procedures.
  • Operating procedure.

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies and standards:
  • Safety, health and environmental legislation and regulations.
  • Quality policies, standards and agreements. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    The learners ability to work to high levels of accuracy and inconsistency will contribute to the overall performance of the laboratory team. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner's ability to keep accurate records and make accurate entries into the relevant log sheets when analysing samples by means of Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    The learner's ability to follow work procedures closely, adhering meticulously to relevant procedures. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    The learner's ability to use and interact with technologically advanced procedures and equipment in a modern laboratory environment when analysing samples by means of Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    The learner is aware that in the mining (refining) industry various systems are dependent on each other, and accepts responsibility in that regard. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 9750, "Quantify analyte concentrations in prepared samples by means of Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy", Level 4, 3 credits.

    Terminology:

    Specified Requirements:

    Specified requirements include legal and site-specific requirements and are contained in one or more of the following documents:

    Legal:
  • Relevant Acts: e.g. Mine Health & Safety Act and Regulations and Minerals Act and Regulations.
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice.
  • SANS and other relevant Standards.
  • Chief Inspector of Mines' Directives/Instructions.
  • Guidelines issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines.
  • Material Safety Data Sheets.

    Site Specific:
  • Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA).
  • Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Programme.
  • Voluntary Codes of Practice.
  • Managerial Instructions.
  • Mine Standard Procedures.
  • List of Recorded OH&S Risks.
  • Working Guides.
  • Equipment and Materials Specifications. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  64950   Further Education and Training Certificate: Laboratory Analysis  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.